kops

iTrader: (1)

Hi everyone,

I've been around the forums for about a year, hoping to officially join the club in the next few weeks. Just a little about myself, I'm 22 years old living not far outside Toronto, just graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering, and should be starting my new fulltime job in the next couple of weeks .

I first learned of the rotary when I was about 12, my cousin owned an '87 RX-7 that I instantly fell in love with....I guess it was only a matter of time before I had my own. After much reading, learning, and waiting, I think its safe to say that the hunt for my 8 is on.

I'm hoping to get 04-07 around the $10k mark give or take. I thought I would use this thread to introduce myself, and ask a few questions along the way rather than starting threads here and there for little things.

With that being said, I'm very thankful for coming across this forum and hope to be able to contribute a little more in the near future.

Cheers

Venko

congrats on the graduation (in advance) and good luck on your quest for the rx8. Are you looking for a specific color or trim?

kops

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Venko! I actually graduated about 3 weeks ago, just waiting for the papers to go through on starting my job .

Colour, gotta be black. Silver is appealing too, imo it really brings out the lines of the car. But theres just something about an 8 in black...

I'm not too picky about trim, but black leather (black, black/tan or black/orange) would be a must - I guess that means I want a GT. I was trying to do some research on this but it seems to be all over the map as to what people are saying is included for the GS, GT, Sport, etc. Not sure if there is a 'sticky' or anything with some more definitive information.

I've found a black 2004 with 41,500 original km, (25000 miles) for a great price, but it is cloth interior. I've been reading some leather swap threads but was hoping to find out what else is missing from that trim that the leather/GT includes (other than the seats).

mckinleyr97

In the same boat, looking to get into an RX8, any areas I should inspect most carefully when looking at a potential rx8?

Considering '04-'06 off warranty, I might opt for an aftermarket warranty to cover the drivetrain...

OP - You certainly want at least a 'sport'; sports include traction control, limited slip differential, stability control, xenon lights, fog lights, sport suspension, larger front breaks & 18" wheels...

Touring model is all that plus Bose audio, sunroof, auto-dimming mirror... GT is that plus leather seats/upholstery, power drivers seat w/ lumbar & heated seats/mirrors...

kops

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for clearing that up for me . Where might you acquire an aftermarket warranty? Is that something you could only get from a dealership?

The 8 I'm looking at mentions having the bose audio, sunroof, xenon lights, cloth seats etc, but lists as a GT.

zbirdman777

I bought mine two days ago from a dealership. It was an Audi dealership if that matters. They offered an extended warranty through Allstate, I remember it being comprehensive 1 year 12k miles for $1000 or 2 year 24k for $1300. So if you buy from a dealer you should be able to get a warranty with them like that. I later found out that if you do it yourself its plus $1000 dollars.

monchie

Congrats with your graduation and your future job and your future rx8...

kops

iTrader: (1)

Thanks monchie .

[Un]fortunately, most of the nicer 8s in my area are private listings so I don't think a warranty is going to be an option. The seller is asking $8500 for the low km 04. There is also a beautiful loaded 06 for $11,500 with 88,000km (50,000 miles). Got some shopping around to do!

mckinleyr97

In Ontario, it might be tougher to find an aftermarket warranty. I was looking at the one by Warranty Direct, though I've got mixed reviews on them. Basically you pay $1400-$2000 for a 2-year warranty to cover the drivetrain; based on what I've read...

Sounds like the Touring version you're looking as GT's have the leather heated seats along with heated windows and leather trim. Later years they likely added more options to the GT's.

kops

iTrader: (1)

At that price, I might as well take my chances and put it towards a rebuild in the future.

A few more popped up online today, a black '04 loaded with nav, leather, and 66km (40k miles) on original engine, new clutch.

Although I'm not going to be purchasing for a couple weeks yet, the decision is only getting tougher. Do I buy an 06 with more KM knowing that it has a year of warranty left, or do I get the one with less KM and no warranty....I can't compression check every one!

the1jesster

welcome and avoid an 04

kops

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! That seems like a fairly bold statement. If I'm correct, the 04's had a high failure rate due to lack of oil injection, which was later fixed in the MSP-16 flash? Is there something else I should be aware of?

Also - shouldn't a compression test set my mind at ease when it comes to considering an 04 vs 05 vs 06?

monchie

It really don't matter what year it is, low or high mileage, if your buying a used rx8, always get a compression test on the engine.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Hello, if you read the new owner stickies you will see it's mainly 04 AT 4 port engines that had higher failures.

kops

iTrader: (1)

I've probably read through them a handful of times . It was my impression that other than the MSP-16 recall, the series 1 could all be considered about the same as far as reliability, an 04 with good compression is as good as an 06 with good compression.

Should I be trying to stay away from 04s in general?

wcs

iTrader: (2)

If the price is right and it passes a compression test, go for it.

monchie

I will pass on it only if the mileage is very high...

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

I can give you my opinion.

I have a LY 04 GT 6 spd. Bought in July with 18k miles. Had all updates, threw bad cat & misfire codes 4 days after purchase and 7 days out of warranty.
New midpipe & tuneup and now runs great at near 24k.
I believe from what I've read, I would avoid auto trans. models.
I think each car is different and a lot depends on how it was maintained and driven.
I was lucky as mine practically fell into my lap. One owner, summer driver, garaged, nearly new condition.
All I can say is if you really want one, research this Forum till your eyes bleed.
It's a unique car, I love it, and drive it every chance I get ( no bad weather driving).
Just be aware of the pros and cons of owning one.
Good luck!

kops

iTrader: (1)

Very aware, and somehow haven't been scared off. The two cars I am watching closely are

2004 black gt loaded with nav and everything, new clutch and upgraded stereo, 66km asking $10,500

2006 black gt no nav, not many other details, pictures look flawless, 88km asking $10,800

Of course a compression test will be required. I'd rather take the car with the better engine, but that would mean two compression tests out of my pocket. I guess I'll have to drive both and see which one calls my name!

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Probably not much help, but I would go with O4 GT.
I'm pretty sure all GT's had nav., but I could be wrong.

I really like the leather heated seats & sunroof, though it cuts down on headroom if you're +6 ft.
Also comes with OPTIONAL spare tire & rack, which is a plus for me.

The nav is pretty much obsolete, but guys are doing great things installing tablets in their place, which I think is really cool, and thinking about paying someone to do for me.

Lower mileage & new clutch have appeal also.
Either owner drove it like he stole it ( highly recommended) or he really rode the clutch a lot.
Tough call.
Good luck!

wcs

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't pay more than 4500 for an 04 no matter how good of condition it was in and that would also include getting a blow job

kops

iTrader: (1)

LOL that's one way to put it. I'm feeling sort of put off of the 04 after this thread. I thought that with the low km it might have a shot at having great compression still, but an 06 has the advantage of being 2 years newer as well.

I guess I'm getting a little ahead here, still waiting on my official work start date, 'soon' isn't really cutting it anymore =/

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

2 days ago

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

What made you change your mind?
Unless I'm mistaken, I believe there are many members here who like their '04s, including me.

kops

iTrader: (1)

My mind hasn't really changed, I plan to explore both options and compression test the one I like more. Just a few comments about staying away from 04s and only paying a ridiculously low price was making me second think. Too much reading, not enough going out and checking them for myself